Babysitter With Benefits

24

Gianna's P.O.V

After Jeremiah calls you up on your date with Damon to tell you Helena is missing- you sit, skittish in your seat, on edge as Damon drives you rushingly back to Jeremiah's. You find yourself unconsciously gnawing on your fingernails as you near his house once again. Unease settles in your gut like a brick, and when Damon stops in front of the steps leading to the door, you swallow the lump in your throat.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

You shake you're head, acknowledging the fact he means well, but you're sure his presence would only work to piss Jeremiah off even more.

"Thanks for the thought, but I have to handle this. I'm really sorry our date was cut short"

"No worried. Just let me know when you can get together again. Oh, and I really hope everything gets resolved"

You smile warmly at him, before placing your hand on his arm.

"You're a sweet guy, Damon. Goodnight"

"Have a good night, Gianna"

You push open the passenger door, warily moving up the steps, as you anticipate Jeremiah.

We didn't exactly part on good terms, and I can only imagine how he feels now. God, i feel like all of this is my fault.

With courage that surfaces only as the though of the children enters your mind, you turn the knob to the front door, and move your gaze along the foyer, ears instantly seeking out Jeremiah's familiar voice.

I really hope Helena's okay... those kids will be completely destroyed if anything happens to her. Oh god...

Your hands shaking you raise a hand to your lips, stifling your gasp as you think about how Rissa will most likely blames herself for wanting her mom at her party.

No... i wont let her take that blame.

"Sorry, did I interrupt your evening..."

By the mocking lilt to Jeremiah's tone, you know he's purposefully jeering you. He emerges from the living room, his jacket hung loosely and open on his body, blonde locks of hair angrily disheveled like hands raked though them anxiously. His eyes are rimmed with bags like exhaustion has him in its grasp.

"Seems like you were enjoying it"

Oh my god, he's being an ass... he isn't jealous is he?

You cock your head sideways, eyes narrowing as you attempt to discern his tone. Goading, mocking or jealous? He's too guarded for you to catch on just as to why he's throwing your date in your face. Instead of letting curiosity derail your thoughts, you frown, and cross your arms over your chest, questioning him accusingly.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Clearly you waste no time.."

"Excuse me?"

"Moving on from one to the next"

"Jeremiah..."

He dismisses your words before you can fully utter them with am annoyed wave of his hand dismissively, before he shoves his hand in a coat pocket to retrieve his keys. Despite his blatant disgust, you still cant keep your eyes from admiring him. The gorgeous chiselled shape of his face, sharp jawline, endless, mesmerising irises that stir awake your arousal from just a glance, and his sinewy length all complimented by the way his relaxed clothing - a pair of jeans and a T-shirt - sit on him.

God, when I'm in his presence i forget my damn head...

"Just do your job and watch my children while I go find their mother. Hopefully she's not dead"

Dead...

You flinch at his harsh words, lips firming as guilt enters you swiftly like poison in your vein, the acidity from it making it harder to breathe as it builds in you, destructive in its wake. Before you can stop yourself, you're muttering an apology you're sure is useless to him.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry"

The coldness softens a spec, before its replaced again with a blink of your eyes, and he clenches his jaw.

"Next time, when you think you know whats best for my children, maybe you'll do y9our job and realise its not up to you"

His words sting, almost as painful as if he'd actually slapped you. You intake a sharp breath and bite back tears the prickle your eyes. He turns away from you, and you reach for him, fingers flexing quickly before you make contact with his arm and he halts.

"I really thought the kids needed their mom.. I hope she's okay"

He stiffens, before pulling his arm out of your grasp. You don't let him see the hurt in your expression from his rejection.

"What's wrong with mom?"

No... Rissa...

You spin, unable to mask your worry as you peer at her little frame near the bottom of the stairs. Her red curls are disarray, wildly framing her round face as she regards Jeremiah and you with wide, cautious eyes. Jeremiah steps forward, a sympathetic look on his face as he attempts to comfort her.

"Nothing. I'm just going to make sure everything's okay. Checking up on her"

Rissa crosses her arms over her chest, huffing angrily as she frowns. Her gaze passes between you and Jeremiah.

"I'm not stupid. I heard you guys. Moms in trouble"

She's angry with her fathers deceit.

"Mom sick. You know that. She just needs my help right now"

"Where is she?"

"I'm going to get her..."

Jeremiah walks over to her, and wraps his arms around her and its the first time you've seen him openly be affectionate with her you watch as she relaxes a little in his arms, tears sliding freely down her cheeks as he rubs her back.

"I am going to take care of it. You do not need to worry, do you understand me?"

She sniffles, and nods against his stomach because he's so tall, before he mutters a softy 'I love you' which she returns with a strangled response that sounds like a sob. He moves her into your arms, before he wordlessly leaves the house, ignoring your probing expression.

"Rissa, dad's going to get mommy and everything will be fine. How about we watch a movie to get your mind off it now"

Rissa is reluctant to delve into something on the tv, but she's not the only one who needs a distraction from the taunting words lingering in your mind like ghosts after Jeremiah has gone. You recall them reluctantly.

I hope she's alright. I'll never forgive myself...